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INNER GUIDE RETREAT
An initiation to delve into the path towards reconnecting with your inner guide though deep connection with nature, ancestral traditions and using food as medicine.
January 15th - 21st 2024 (FULLY BOOKED)
NEXT -> January 20th - 25th 2025 (SOON OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS)
Mindo, Ecuador
Are you ready to tap into your own unlimited potential?
Your journey already begun when your Inner Guide led you to open this website.
This life changning experience is 6 days of deep connection with nature, nutritional meals, meditation, plant medicine ceremonies and authentic experiences in the middle of beautiful nature at a place called Mindo, Ecuador.
This program, made for 17 participants only, is designed for you to become an active player in the process of reconnecting with your Inner Guide. We open up the space for you to connect with real plant medicine, in the land where it was intended to be used in the first place, guided by authentic Taitas and Mamas (Shamans).
If you feel scared. If you feel excited. If you feel anxious. You are ready to take the next step.
Included in your stay
› Six days & five nights in a village in the middle of nature
› Become a part of a unique international community
› Wholesome meals every day
› How to Use Food as Medicine talk by Holistic Nutritionist
› One Plant Medicine Ceremony
› Group consultation with our Mama Shaman
› Rapé Plant Medicine Ceremony
› Cacao experience
› Butterfly garden
› Purifying river cleanse
› Colibri Balcony
› MINDO Meditation & Journaling
› Visit to Ilnti ñan Museum (on Equator)
› Transport from Quito to the retreat place and back again
› Dedicated integration with time for sharing
› Danish and Ecuadorian facilitators
› Full translation from Spanish to English during ceremonies
› Group follow-up integration session via zoom after the retreat
› Access to our private integration Facebook group
Are you ready to go on a life changning journey?
Ceremonies
› PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
This sacred medicine causes one to go deep within to places where pain, trauma and dis-ease exist. Indigenous cultures in South America have used this plant medicine for hundreds of years and view it as having healing power and being able to treat physical and mental ailments and receive messages from ancestors and spirits.
› RAPÈ & WAYUSA CEREMONY
A ceremony of transformation and connection to the four elements (fire, water, earth & air). It focuses on internal work and inner healing through meditation, supported by the sound of drums, the intake of Rapé (Abuelo Tabacco. Sacred, medicinal tobacco) and Abuela Wayusa (herbal infusion). This will open your heart, guide your spirits and realign your energy and connection to nature.
› WELCOME TO THE TERRITORY CEREMONY
In this ceremony we will show respect to the first nations of the land and interact with the cosmic energies from rivers, mountains, lakes, forests and energy centers. Through burning of sacred medicine (smudging) we raise our consciousness to enter the depth of our souls and begin this retreat.
› CLOSING CLEANSING AND HARMONISATION CEREMONY.
This ceremony is a thank you and closing to the entire process of the retreat. Accompanied by the sacred fire and through the intake of Abuelo Tabbaco (sacred, medicinal tobacco) we reach a state of balance. This will activate our willpower and strength to be specific with our purpose and intentions, while balancing our elements (fire, water, earth, air) mentally and emotionally.
MINDO MEALS
Whilst on the retreat we will enjoy wholesome and nutritional meals, freshly prepared by our local chef. Combined with knowledge and guidelines from our Danish, Holistic Nutritionist Cecilie, from her concept MINDO.
MINDO is a lifestyle created by Cecilie with inspiration from the town Mindo, Ecuador. It stands for: Mindset, Intuition, Nutrition,
Destress & Oxygen and is a holistic and functional approach of taking care of yourself to enjoy a long and healthy life.
All meals are prepared with the best local ingredients and will be mostly vegetarian with the occasional river fish or local chicken.
All meals will be free from refined dairy, sugar, pork, alcohol, caffein, red meat and processed foods.
Even before the retreat you will receive a MINDO GUIDE to prepare your body and mind for a life changing experience. You must exercise the utmost respect for yourself – and let go of the habits that are no longer serving you.
Cecilie will also enlighten us with her knowledge of taking our health into our own hands with a unique talk about MINDO.
"Good morning Cecilie! I would like to share with you my progress on the Mindo diet. I feel so much better in my body. Food for me was stressful, but now i manage it easier." - previous retreat guest.
Experiences & activities
MINDO Meditation & Journaling
We include meditation & journaling in the retreat to provide a powerful tool to integrate the experiences of transformation that arise when working with the medicine. Through practicing meditation & journaling one begins to develop more awareness, which serves as an invaluable tool in ceremony and in life.
Cacao experience
Be a part of a unique experience of “bean to bar” chocolate-making process. You will get the opportunity to learn how chocolate has been made and consumed for thousands of years. In this experience, we will take you through the complete process of making traditional chocolate.
Colibri balcony
Ecuador is a mecca for bird lovers. In Mindo there are approx. 500 species. Colibri Balcony is located at a natural reserve. Here you are able to take a walk through nature and be privileged to watch some of these unique species of birds. After the walk you can sit at the balcony and let wild hummingbirds eat from your hands.
Butterfly garden
Experience butterflies like you never have before. Here, you will learn all about the lifecycle of the butterfly, before taking a walk through the gardens, the air of which is alive with the fluttering wings of butterflies.
Museum Inti ñan
Inti = sun and Ñan = path. Learn about Ecuadorian indigenous people and their culture, thru a walking tour in the middle of the world (on Equator) that makes you travel back in time, through hundred-year-old huts replicas, hunting tools and much more. Also discover and understand the physical phenomena of the earth with didactic experiences.
"Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because
that's the one that is going to help you grow"
Mindo, Ecuador
Hidden amongst cloud forests, this tiny town is the perfect mix of nature, wildlife and relaxation.
Mindo is a village in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. It's known for the many bird species, butterflies and orchids found in the surrounding cloud forest, part of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve. Mindo is truly like a hidden gem in the jungle. In fact, it's actually one of the most unique destinations in Ecuador, due to its unique eco-system that's known worldwide for its biodiversity and birding.
Accommodation
The retreat will take place in a beautiful, closed village with 4 wooden houses - a little oasis of thriving natural beauty. Only 4 km away from the center of Mindo, it is the perfect place to enjoy both the tropical forest and the unique landscapes in the tranquility of nature. It has a beautiful garden and direct access to a sacred river.
The whole place is ours. Even though the house can room 25 people we chose to book the whole place, to have it for ourselves. The house has shared rooms in 2 different houses. You can choose to stay in a queen size bed (as a couple or friends), a single bed or bunk beds. Find prices and more info further below. Everyone will share bathrooms between 2-5 people and the house also has a beautiful common areas for everyone to relax and find peace.
Your facilitators
Cecilie Bang
Holistic nutritionist, yin yoga guide & facilitator
Cecilie is the expert behind our nutritional meals. She will facilitate a holistic health talk for you to bring home this knowledge and apply it to your everyday life. She will also guide you every night through a powerful and insightful mediation.
"Selflove is choosing yourself - and if you stay committed to yourself you'll be able to experience things within you never thought was possible" - Cecilie
Read more about her here.
Nicolas "Chaka" Schipper
Musician, mentor & facilitator
Nicolas will guide us with his passion for ancestral knowledge and realising blockages to stand stronger and more powerful in yourself. You will feel the presence of Nicolas in every situation and feel held by his power of seeing you.
"We open spaces not to show a status, rather to focus on your own healing, connection to nature, living cosmos and all states of consciousness" - Nicolas
Read more about him here.
Mama Avelina Rogel
Medicine Woman & Shaman
She will guide the Plant Medicine Ceremony, the Welcome to Territory Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony. Furthermore she is there the whole week to hold space and share her wisdom.
"It is important that we see ourselves as ONE in communion with ALL." - Mama Ave
Read more about her here.
The program
*Program can be slightly changed
First day - Day of arrival
- 08.45 Bus pick-up from Tribuna de los Shyris
- 10.00 Visit to the Interactive Solar Museum
- 14:00 Arrival to the retreat village in Mindo
- 14:30 Welcome to the Territory Ceremony
- 16.00 Movement therapy
- 17:00 Talk about VIDAYA & personal experiences
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20.00 BreathIN
Second day - Heart Opening Day
- 07:00 Rapé & Wayusa Ceremony
- 08.30 PAMBA MESA
- 09.30 River Cleanse
- 13.00 Lunch
- 15.00 Cacao Experience Tour
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:00 BreathIN
Third day - Butterflies & Ceremony Day
- 08.00 Breakfast
- 10.00 Butterfly Garden
- 13.00 Lunch
PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONY
- 17.00 Group Consultation
- 18.30 Dinner
- 20.00 Ceremony Fire & Conversations
- 21.00 Plant Medicine Ceremony
Fourth day - Integration Day
- 09.30 PAMBA MESA
- 10.00 Group Sharings & Integration with Mama Avelina
- 13.00 Lunch
- 16.00 Integration Movement
- 18.30 Dinner
- 20:00 BreathIN
Fifth day - Nature & Health
- 08.00 Breakfast
- 09.30 Waterfall & Nature Hike
- 13.00 Lunch
- 15.00 MINDO Talk
- 18.30 Dinner
-20.00 Closing Fire with music & chicha
Sixth day - Closing & Cleansing
- 08.00 Breakfast
- 09.30 Closing Ceremony + Group Photo
- 11.00 Visit to the Hummingbird Balcony
- 13.00 Transport back to Quito
Your investment
Prior to being accepted onto Inner Guide Retreat, it requires you to complete a comprehensive psychological and physical health questionnaire. After filling up the questionnaire we will screen it within 24 hours and if your request is being accepted you will receive a link to sign up for the retreat.
BUNK BED
SOLD OUT
(First payment 50%
to save your spot)
Bunkbed (1 person)
Shared room
Shared bathroom
All experiences & food included
DOUBLE BED
SOLD OUT
(First payment 50%
to save your spot)
Double bed (2 persons)
Shared room
Shared bathroom
All experiences & food included
Price is for 1 person, but can only be purchased for 2 people.
SINGLE BED
SOLD OUT
(First payment 50%
to save your spot)
Single bed (1 person)
Shared room
Shared bathroom
All experiences & food included
Are you ready to go on a life changning journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included?
- Accommodation before and after the retreat (we recommend you to book this before you arrive to Ecuador)
- Your airfares
- Your travel insurance
- Visa (if necessary)
- Personal expenses and meals before/after the retreat
What are the current entry requirements to Ecuador?
As the requirements are in constant evolution, we invite you to visit the US Embassy Ecuador for more information about health and safety
How do I get to Mindo from the Airport?
We have arranged a bus to pick you up in the center of Quito. We recommend that you arrive to Ecuador at least 48 hours before the retreat start, to make sure you arrive on time that you won't miss out on anything and for adapting to the climate/altitude.
Do you have wifi connection at the retreat?
Yes, but you will be encouraged to refrain from using our phone for the duration of the retreat.
What else can I do in Ecuador after the retreat?
Stay in Mindo
Hike along one of several trails, take in a frog concert, ride the cable car, go chasing waterfalls, get high on a zipline, visit the orchid garden or go river rafting.
Ecuador is called the four worlds since it is home to four major geographical regions: the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific Coast, and the Galapágos Islands.
Other places in Ecuador:
› Galapagos
› Quito
› Mountain hikes
› Explore the volcanoes
› Papallacta
› Ingapirca
› Visit beaches e.g. Esmeraldas
› Otavalo
› Tulipe Ancient Yumbo Ruins
› And many more amazing places...
Do you have any safety procedures?
› The village is equipping with a superior grade first aid kit
› We offer 24-hour emergency transport to a medical clinic
› Prior to being accepted onto our Inner Guide Retreat, it requires you to complete a comprehensive psychological and physical health questionnaire.
There are no trained medical staff at the village. A hospital clinic is only 10 minutes away and open during the day. Please be up to date with your (travel) insurance.
Is Plant Medicine legal in Ecuador?
Yes it is legal to consume in Ecuador.
However, privilege is given to traditional shamans, considering how sacred these plant medicines are in the country. Not just anyone can call themselves a shaman, and the use of plant medicines are considered a carefully maintained sacrament.
We will show the respect to the land and the shamans by coming to them. We open up the space for you to connect with real plant medicine, in the land where it was intended to be used in the first place, guided by authentic Taitas and Mamas (Shamans).
Do I need an insurance?
Yes! It is important to consider how you would pay for any medical bills if you were to require treatment during your time in Ecuador. Before travelling to Ecuador you should ensure you have enough money for any medical costs that may arise during your stay.
Be sure to check your travel insurance and your cancellation module. Does your insurance not currently cover you can buy an additional module. Read more at TERMS.
What should I bring to the retreat?
- Clothes for any kind of weather 82°F/28°C - 59°F /15°C. Long and short pants/shirts recommended for mosquitos.
-Light rain coat as there could be some rain.
-Comfortable shoes (trekking shoes/boots) and sandals.
-Swimsuit for getting the river cleanse.
- Sunblock, nontoxic insect repellent and a hat for the sun.
- A flashlight.
- Book or other things you can do in between activities.
- Binoculars for bird watching.
- Your own reusable water bottle. 481.6 BILLION plastic bottles were used worldwide last year. We do not want to be part of it.
- Journal/notebook and something to write for the intentions and afterwork of the ceremony.
- Earplugs (this ensures you sleep well in shared rooms and if you are not comfortable with jungle animal noise)
- Offerings (this is not required): candles, crystals, white salvia or any home country amulet or present that you consider nice to give to the support team.
- We recommend having cash (USD DOLLARS) if you want to shop in Mindo. There are ATMs but it is easier to have some on you just in case you find something interesting since they rarely accept card. Bills larger than $20 are difficult to change.
Do I need to participate in all activities?
To get the full experience we recommend that you attend all activities of the retreat which is carefully put together. However, nothing is mandatory.